The 10 best DVDs
By Omar Gallaga
Austin American-Statesman
January 2, 2004
DVD philosophy: I like cutting-edge extras that push the limits of the DVD format, rich transfers that look good on a big widescreen TV and complete TV show seasons on DVD that are loaded with background material.
1."Finding Nemo" -- Most fans of this Pixar film were wowed by the miraculous water effects (and there was a cute story in there about some fish, too) in theaters. On DVD, the film looks even better, with its rich palette and vibrant hues setting a standard for digital animation. The two-disc set features widescreen and full-screen versions of the film as well as lots of ads for virtually every Disney product under the sun. But get past those pesky advertisements and you'll find the best treasure on the set: a documentary on the making of "Nemo" that reveals the painstaking process Pixar uses to bring its digital imagery to life. It's a great family film, sure, but it's also a must-own title for DVD enthusiasts.
2."Standing in the Shadows of Motown" -- This documentary about the forgotten Motown Funk Brothers is compelling, but get it so you can crank up the fantastic music, including songs not in the theatrical release.
3."Chicago" -- Last year's niftiest film trick -- turning Broadway flash into Oscar gold -- sparkles on DVD with great making-of features that show how they pulled it off.
4."Melvin Goes to Dinner" -- Bob Odenkirk's directorial debut was smart, funny and surprisingly moving. DVD is about the only place you'll catch this overlooked gem.
5."The Ben Stiller Show" and "Mr. Show -- The Complete First and Second Seasons" -- Speaking of Odenkirk, you can watch him mature as a writer and performer on these two cult sketch comedy shows. Brilliant and hilarious.
6."Spirited Away" -- Last year's Best Animated Feature Oscar winner is a grand DVD experience, even if it's got Disney's pawprints all over it. Ignore the on-disc ads, but be sure to watch the miraculous film.
7."Alias: The Complete First Season" -- Riveting, slick action that improves upon the TV show's cliffhanger format by giving us wusses a way to skip ahead to the next episode without waiting a week to see what happens.
8."The Lord of the Rings: The Obscenely Long Editions" -- "Two Towers" and "Fellowship" in their extended editions offer anything a hobbit freak could want and more and were the perfect gear-up for "Return of the King." Is Peter Jackson the patron saint of the DVD format?
9."Terminator 3 -- Rise of the Machines" -- I missed this movie at the multiplex, and good thing. "T3" is a perfect watch-at-home actioner that fits perfectly within the confines of the home theater.
10."Who Framed Roger Rabbit" -- Watching the execrable "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" only made the 15-year-old "Roger Rabbit" look all the better. Best idea: Divvying up the two-disc package into "Family" and "Enthusiast" parts.
